Paper Heart - Bradley Will Simpson

Chapter 7.

               Two days later, Bradley took advantage of the fact that everyone was gathered together in the hotel breakfast room to speak in a solemn tone.

"Since it's getting really hot in town and to make our writing sessions more fun, the boys and I had an idea..."

              In reality, it was mostly the singer who had come up with the idea, but his mates had approved without putting up any stiff resistance.

"My parents have a house in the country around Manchester, Bradley said. It's an old farmhouse they bought in ruins and renovated over the years. The house is huge, the grounds are huge, there's a barn, a swimming pool, a really nice music room - obviously - and lots of room for parties. Personally, I think we could work well there, in a slightly less 'artificial' setting if you like..."

             The young man supported this last sentence with a little wink to Chloe, who then understood that this proposal had been motivated by her own uneasiness and she was very touched. Yet another proof of his attachment to you, she thought, her heart tightening.

"My parents are going on holiday for four weeks, so we could go tomorrow if you like. So, what do you think? Asked the young man. "

               Alexandra looked at her sisters. Laura had the little scowl of the city girls who are forced to visit their grandparents in the middle of nowhere. It was true that the youngest daughter liked to go out a lot and did not like the idea, at the very moment when the deconfinement in the United Kingdom began, of going to bury herself in the depths of the countryside when the bars would finally be able to reopen. For her part, Alexandra had no problem with changing her place of work; she had always been a fairly accommodating lady who made few, if any, waves. Chloe, on the other hand, couldn't hide her joy at the idea of travelling a little, discovering the English countryside and especially an intimate part of Bradley's life. Moreover, she was terribly touched by the young man's gesture towards her and she secretly hoped that this more personal atmosphere would allow her to overcome her fears and take a first small step towards the singer.

"Look, why not," Alexandra finally replied, I'm fine with anything anyway.

- Me too, Chloe answered shyly, wondering if the boys were aware that this change of location was due to her.

- I was fine in the city but apparently, I don't have much choice... sighed Laura with a disappointed pout.

- Honestly, considering the sanitary situation and the upcoming summer heat wave, Tristan intervened, I think we'll be much better off there. Seriously, you don't know what you're in for, but this place is amazing! "

            His three friends nodded and Laura smiled a little concessionary smile to show her approval of this somewhat forced move, not knowing that it had been motivated by her sister's inspiration problems. The group then quietly continued their breakfast, which was enlivened by the boys' anecdotes about all the adventures that had happened to them during their many stays at Bradley's parents' house.

           The day passed quickly and Chloe, motivated by the prospect of a change of venue that would break the monotony of the writing room, was as radiant as she had been on her first days in London. So, the day's rehearsals were productive and, in the evening, everyone left with a smile on their face. The girls happily packed their bags, even Laura had taken to the game and shared the excitement of her sisters who were really looking forward to discovering this house that the boys had described to them as beautiful and conducive to fun - and especially to drunken evenings according to the confidences of James who, apparently, had fond memories of it -.